Mille lacs likely summer special limits

[ebt]

Going to VRBO rent now for June  for top dollar but what if I can’t keep any fish or even fish for them?

that situation is still a cluster

[gimruis]

The restrictions, bans, etc aren't released for Mille Lacs until March.  They don't even take into account the pressure or estimated harvest from the winter when they set the new rules for the open water season (which to me, makes zero sense).

 

I've stated my opinion on this subject before, but they favor ice anglers heavily now.  Their season allows 2 lines, they can fish all night, and they can harvest fish all season.  Open water anglers are subject to a full season night ban, closures, live bait bans, and minimal harvest (if any).  Its a bunch of BS.

 

That being said, there are other options at Mille Lacs.  Its a top destination for smallmouth bass in the country and the new state record muskie was just caught out of there in November.  If you're in it to go home with fish, Mille Lacs is not the lake you should be fishing anymore.  If you're in it to potentially catch a trophy or a bunch of big fish, then you should go there and try to.

Edited January 4, 2022 by gimruis

[Wanderer]

10 hours ago, ebt said:

Going to VRBO rent now for June  for top dollar but what if I can’t keep any fish or even fish for them?

that situation is still a cluster

In a boat - fish other lakes in the area of Mille Lacs if you want to keep fish.  Fish Mille Lacs if you want pictures of fish.  A VRBO in that area will still be a lot of fun.  You don’t have to keep all your eggs in that one basket.

 

@gimruis Even though it’s frustrating, you know the difference between the winter rules and summer rules are at least as much about the health of the lake’s area economy as it is about the health of the fishery.

 

Keeping an honest number for harvest in the winter is a pipe dream IMO.  What happens in the shack stays in the shack gets played out plenty during the winter.  Summer is a little more risky to be your own biologist.

 

I make these comments in more of agreement with your assessment than anything; just adding to it.  I’m personally not really that frustrated over it; I just avoid it.  There are plenty of other options.

Edited January 4, 2022 by Wanderer

[gimruis]

3 hours ago, Wanderer said:

Even though it’s frustrating, you know the difference between the winter rules and summer rules are at least as much about the health of the lake’s area economy as it is about the health of the fishery.

 

Agreed.  I'm just totally against any kind of privileged fishing season (or hunting season) that favors one demographic over another.  The fact that they have to actually CLOSE the walleye fishing season in the summer is completely preposterous when you have winter anglers keeping fish, using 2 lines, and fishing at night.

Edited January 4, 2022 by gimruis

[leech~~]

52 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

Agreed.  I'm just totally against any kind of privileged fishing season (or hunting season) that favors one demographic over another.  The fact that they have to actually CLOSE the walleye fishing season in the summer is completely preposterous when you have winter anglers keeping fish, using 2 lines, and fishing at night.

 

Well I don't want to say the demographics are any different for some fishing seasons.  But, can you say White out!